Students take flight at Camp Perfect Wings

Horseback riding was a popular activity among campers. Photos Provided

DAVIS—Many Oklahoma Baptists come together every summer for Camp Perfect Wings (CPW), a three-day camp for ages 8 and up for those who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, hosted by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO). The 2017 CPW took place at CrossTimbers Mission Adventure Camp in Davis on June 1-3. This year’s camp theme was “Unshakeable”, drawing from Isaiah 28:16, “Therefore the Lord God said: ‘Look, I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakeable.’”

In spite of rainy conditions, nothing could dampen the spirit of the more than 220 campers and buddies (sponsors) in attendance. A buddy, being 16 or older, is a volunteer or family member who has the desire to serve those with special needs. Whether that is assisting in recreation or visiting the nurse’s station, the assigned buddy is with their camper every step of the way to help insure they have the best experience possible.

“At Camp Perfect Wings, there are no limits. We don’t see what they can’t do, we see what they can do,” explained buddy Karla Boone, a 12-year volunteer and member of Edmond, Oakdale. “The students talk about camp all year long and love coming back each year, meeting up with old friends and making new friends.”

Campers participated in various activities throughout the weekend, including arts and crafts, paintball, ropes course, motorcycle riding and horseback riding. “Chopped”, a new activity offered this year, was a popular class where campers learned cooking skills, creating their own puff pastries and breakfast tacos.

Campers also learned about Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief during their mission session. Assembly lines were formed down each table and students prepared emergency travel kits which included toothbrushes, Band-Aids, deodorant and other personal items that families would need after a disaster.

At age 85, Joe Stone was the oldest camper in attendance.

“We have so much to learn from the special needs community. They have so much fun and are so gracious, they are just so thankful to be here,” explained Keith Burkhart, BGCO family and men’s ministry specialist. “This is the best kept secret of Oklahoma Baptists. Many churches don’t realize this camp exists, so we are trying to get the word out so we can better minister to those special needs families.”

The 2018 Camp Perfect Wings is set for May 31–June 2 with online registration beginning on Oct. 1. Visit www.bgco.org/ministries/special-needs to register.

The website also provides information about starting a special needs program at church as well as other resources for this area of ministry.

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